With the fall 2026 semester just days away, Florida Polytechnic University’s first student-athletes donned their new uniforms, laced up their cleats and stepped into the spotlight Monday, Aug. 10, for the University’s inaugural media day for the men’s and women’s soccer and cross country teams as they prepare for their first season of competition.
The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a nascent institutional accreditor, today announced the successful completion of its inaugural site visit at Florida Polytechnic University on Aug. 5-6, marking a historic milestone for both organizations. The visit was the first conducted by CPHE, making Florida Poly the first institution to advance through this critical phase of the Commission’s accreditation process.
When astronauts venture outside the International Space Station to perform critical maintenance, it is essential for them to access and store their tools quickly and conveniently. Every tool must remain securely attached to their spacesuit while still being readily available when needed. A team of Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering students spent 10 months developing a one-handed wearable tool dock designed to make that process easier, faster and more efficient. NASA put the team’s tool to the test at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Avery Reef, a mechanical engineering student at Florida Polytechnic University, is getting a front-row seat to how products progress from a simple idea to the factory floor. The hands-on experience is helping shape his future engineering career. Reef is an intern with Watts Water Technologies, a global leader in water system solutions.
Phoenix Racing crossed the finish line to place third among U.S. teams and sixth overall in its debut at the biennial Electrek American Solar Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program for students. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on Thursday, July 30, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and expanding opportunities for students.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University officially released Florida Poly 2.0, its blueprint for the future of the University consisting of a five-year strategic plan and the vision for a robust research park adjacent to campus. Titled “Advancing to Excellence,” the strategic plan outlines the academic and economic goals the University will work to attain by the year 2023. One
Bringing her lightsaber to class is a common occurrence for Celeste Ramirez. The computer science junior is one of the first members of The Force Institute, a club created in the spring of 2017 inspired by the Star Wars saga and the Jedi philosophy. “I like to carry my lightsaber around campus. It gives me a way to engage in
Thanks to a donation from local e-commerce entrepreneur Josh Ray, hundreds of Florida Polytechnic University students now have access to 3D pens. The pens, which have been allocated to several labs on campus including the physics lab, circuits lab, and 3D printing lab allow users to create three-dimensional shapes from the thin trail of molten plastic that oozes from the
LAKELAND, Fla. – Faculty and student researchers at Florida Polytechnic University are developing a breakthrough method that would result in more accurate maternal and fetal electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals, so that babies can be properly treated for cardiac defects diagnosed before birth. Scientists and engineers have been striving for years to obtain nearly perfect fetal and maternal ECG signals out of
The Florida Polytechnic University Purple Fire Robotics Club is one of the largest student organizations on campus with approximately 45 active members. They’re all inspired by robots, but students don’t have to be experts in robotics to join the club. Joseph Patullo, a sophomore in computer engineering and vice president of the club, said while many students are fascinated by
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University announced the creation of its Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI), a university-affiliated technology research center focused on the development and testing of autonomous vehicle (AV) related technology. AMI is not only unique to the state, but also one of the largest university centers specialized on the narrow area of testing and verification of AV technology
At the request of the Orlando Regional Tech Association, Florida Polytechnic University President Randy K. Avent had the opportunity to share with area leaders the importance of partnering with the university. The Orlando Magic provided the venue by opening up its Innovation Lab at its corporate headquarters for the August 2018 event. Avent touched upon on how far Florida Poly
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation announces the appointment of four new board members. Phillipa Greenberg, Jack Harrell, III, Michael B. Lawley, and Marlene O’Toole bring solid industry, entrepreneurial and technological expertise to its Board of Directors. Phillipa Greenberg is an early pioneer in commercializing computation. In 2016, she founded Next Machine, a supercomputing firm which brings cluster
At Florida Poly, college life is about much more than going to class and studying for exams. Students are encouraged to get involved on campus, and in the community to make the most of their college experience. A well-rounded college experience also includes getting involved with on-campus clubs and organizations and investing in the community through volunteer activities and internships.
Each fall hundreds of Florida Polytechnic University students come together in the Innovation, Science and Technology Building to learn more about the student clubs and organizations available at the university. At this years’ “Club Row” event, going on today and tomorrow, Sept. 12 and 13, more than 40 clubs have displays set up to showcase the way fellow students can
LAKELAND, Fla. – Accusoft, a leading document and imaging software company based in Tampa, Florida, has solidified its partnership with Florida Polytechnic University through a gift of an endowed scholarship to help talented students with a financial need to pursue their dreams of a high-tech career. “I tell people all the time the most exciting thing to happen to the
For the first time, students from Florida Polytechnic University showcased their creations at the fourth annual OrlandoiX conference, on Aug. 17-18 in Winter Park, Florida. The event is billed as the Southeast’s largest gathering of creators in virtual and augmented reality, video games, and digital entertainment. It has also drawn industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, EA Sports, and
Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
